He was...right THERE, off the trail perhaps 10 feet away from me. Didn't care about joggers passing close by, or a guy with a Big Lens pointed at him. I even had to back up as I was within the minimum focusing distance -- and how often can you say that about a raptor? Taken with the 7D and 500 f4 L prime on the BushHawk. Shot in RAW, processed and converted in Canon DPP, and further tweaked in PSPx3.

That is pretty darn slick buddy, being that close and seeing this in the viewfinder must have been a powerful moment and would have give me goosebumps

Classy and I like it!
Karl

You're right Karl, he darned near filled up my viewfinder and I nearly fell over backwards backing up to so I could even get a headshot of him! I did get goosebumps but calmed myself down, knowing I might never get this opportunity again -- unless we see a raptor Up Close and Personal at your wildlife refuge when I visit ya during my 2013-14 Life on the Road Tour...

trailhiker wrote:
You're right Karl, he darned near filled up my viewfinder and I nearly fell over backwards backing up to so I could even get a headshot of him! I did get goosebumps but calmed myself down, knowing I might never get this opportunity again -- unless we see a raptor Up Close and Personal at your wildlife refuge when I visit ya during my 2013-14 Life on the Road Tour...

Thanks my friend!
Steve

Remind me on that, Back to the Wild is a rehab facility nearby, lots of raptors to see, sad for them but lucky to have the care they get here.http://backtothewild.com

birdied wrote:
Wonderful shot ! I can not imagine being that close to one, must have been a really wonderful experience.

Birdie

It was a wonderful experience, Roberta -- once I got over my initial shock! I mean, you just don't expect a close encounter like that to happen to you -- sure, someone else, but not you. I took so many shots -- and he was there for a good 10 minutes, just looking around -- that I finally just stood there, watching him. And watching the reactions of people walking by who didn't notice him until they were right next to him.

jodelak wrote:
Superb portrait shot, yes once in a while they let people with things pointed at them come very close

Yes, once in a while they do -- but usually not to this "people" For raptors, all I have to do is just THINK I'll be pointing the lens at them -- and they fly off, usually leaving me with nothing better than a butt shot. Being out with the 500 f4 as much as possible increases my chances that I'll encounter that rare raptor that doesn't give a rip.